A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God was written by Martin Luther (1483-1546). It is one of the best loved hymns of the Protestant church. It has been called the "Battle Hymn of the Reformation" for the effect it had in increasing the support for the Reformers' cause. The hymn was most likely written between 1527 and 1529. Originally written in German, it has been translated into English at least seventy times. The text is based on Psalm 46. The hymn was sung at the funeral service of Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was also used at the Prayer Service held at the National Cathedral following the attacks of September 11, 2001. 

A Mighty Fortress Is Our God with the signature of Martin Luther

A mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing;

Our helper He, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing:

For still our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe;

His craft and power are great, and, armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing;

Were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing:

Dost ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He;

Lord Sabaoth, His Name, from age to age the same,

And He must win the battle.

And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us,

We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us:

The Prince of Darkness grim, we tremble not for him;

His rage we can endure, for lo, his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them, abideth;

The Spirit and the gifts are ours through Him who with us sideth:

Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also;

The body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever.